Overall, Dinso Resort and Villas, is one of the best hotels on the island. Other resorts may be on better beaches, but if you want quiet luxury, well trained staff, a huge pool and a place where everything works as it should, then book it.
Longtime visitors to Koh Chang will know this resort as Emerald Cove, a name it had for almost 20 years. But the resort was sold to a hotelier from Phuket who spent a lot of money transforming it into the Vignette Collection Dinso Resort & Villas Ko Chang by IHG. The new resort opened in late 2024.
And the good news is that the massive refurb is a big improvement. The drab hotel blocks are still there but they have had a huge makeover. As has the rest of the resort. The atmosphere is totally different to the old Emerald Cove.
The design philosophy seems to be a refined take on tropical minimalism, where every element is connected to the island’s landscape. Guest rooms exude a warm, earthy charm, with a palette of natural wood, woven textures, and soft neutral tones. Clean lines and hand-crafted materials create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and supremely relaxing. Lighting is soft and organic, with lantern-style fixtures adding a cozy, intimate glow. Thoughtful details, like the use of woven rattan ceilings and hand-carved furniture, further anchor the design in tradition.
The main buildings feature timber facades, high gabled roofs, and wide open spaces that invite the outside in. Walkways meander past serene lily ponds and lush gardens, leading guests toward communal spaces that feel more like grand, elegant pavilions than conventional hotel lobbies.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the resort’s series of long, narrow swimming pools, which snake between the villas and residences. Stone walls, tropical greenery, and natural wood balconies create a secluded, calming atmosphere.
Dinso Resort & Villas is a place where luxury doesn’t shout, but whispers. And that makes a change from some of the gaudy or over the top luxury resorts you see nowadays.
As far as the beach goes, the actual beach is very narrow outside the resort. But a short walk north will bring you to a far nicer stretch of sand and a handful of great beach restaurants which are ideal for evening meals or a quick snack and fruitshake during the day.
If you want a good variety of restaurants it’s easy to take a pick up truck taxi into Kai Bae, only a couple of minutes drive to the south. Or walk there, it’s only about 15 minutes away. In Kai Bae you’ll find plenty of cheaper restaurants plus all manner of small shops and bars. Likewise to the north, Klong Prao village is also an easy 15 minute stroll. The shortest route is to just cross the pontoon bridge near Centara Tropicana Resort and walk through Blue Lagoon bungalows to the village.
Read more See prices & available rooms
Great resort, stayed there last month and loved it!